Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 103,451?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 103451
Negative: -1 x -103451


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 103,451?

Unfortunately, there's not simple formula to identifying all of the factors of a number and it can be a tedious process when trying to identify the divisors of larger numbers. To find the factor combinations of the number 103,451, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

We start by creating a table and writing 1 on the left side and then the number we're trying to find the factors for on the right side in a table. Then, below that, write the numbers as a negative as well.

1 103,451
-1 -103,451

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 103,451.

Example:
1 x 103,451 = 103,451
and
-1 x -103,451 = 103,451
Notice both answers equal 103,451

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 103,451 and divide it by 2:

103,451 ÷ 2 = 51,725.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 51,725.5 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 103,451
-1 -103,451

Now, we try dividing 103,451 by 3:

103,451 ÷ 3 = 34,483.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 34,483.6667 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 103,451
-1 -103,451

Let's try dividing by 4:

103,451 ÷ 4 = 25,862.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 25,862.75 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 103,451
-1 103,451
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

1103,451
-1-103,451

More Examples

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